On Dec. 5, Vanguard University hosted a Black and White Party to celebrate, recognize and send out the December graduates.

About 75 sharply dressed seniors gathered with faculty and staff in Needham Courtyard Thursday night. The evening began at 8:30 p.m. with mingling and desserts. As the night went on, special speaker Dr. Michael D. Wilson, Vanguard’s Acting Provost/ Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Undergraduate College, gave an encouraging message to send out the graduating seniors.

Following his message, Director of Alumni Relations Joel Gackle prayed for the December graduates. The spring graduates gathered around their fellow seniors and extended their hands in prayer and blessing over them. Also, the Alumni Relations Team gave the December graduates fleece blankets with Vanguard University embroidered on them.

Looking back on the event, Senior Class Program Director Tommi Ploneis said it was a fun, classy and special event. “For some it was their last Vanguard moment,” Ploneis said and added that some students will choose not to come back to walk for graduation in May. Whether it was their last moment at Vanguard or just the last for a while, the final prayer was a special moment where all the seniors came together in support of the December graduates, Ploneis said.

Dressed in poinsettias, candles and pinecones, Needham Courtyard had a classy Christmas feel for this formal university event. While students, faculty and staff mingled over coffee and desserts, guitarists lightly strummed in the background. A photo booth for seniors to commemorate their time together added a special touch.